Whale Watching - Observe Ecuador's Water-Bound Giants

Whale Watching in Ecuador is not only popular amongst
visitors and tourists, but locals find this to be one of the top activities in Ecuador. Thousands flock to the beaches of Ecuador to witness the annual influx of these gracious giants of the deep. Many say that the whales have a passport to Ecuador and each year they entertain thousands with their spectacular water dances, displays of enormous power and the romantic scenes of two partners courting and falling in love resulting in the amazing birth of the next generation of peaceful ocean creatures. Due to the mass slaughter of Whales world wide in past centuries, Ecuadorians are proud to provide a safe and protected home to Humpback Whales and the scores of curious dolphins that follow their migration.

Humpback Whales are seen along the shores of Ecuador from approximately
June to September. It is the warmer waters that attract the whales as it is easier on the new born calves. Hence, it is during this time that whale watchers come from far and wide to witness this amazing miracle of nature. When considering all the activities in Ecuador, whale watching will not only be an unforgettable experience, but an educational one as well. Hunchback whales usually move in small groups of about ten individuals. Adults can weigh over forty tons and can grow to lengths of fifteen to sixteen meters. They rely on sound to communicate and their songs fill the ocean during courtship. Here in these waters visitors will often be able to see these spectacular mammals rising gracefully out of the water, almost looking weightless during their mating dances. Mating dances and rituals last for a few weeks and a year later the waters around Ecuador come alive with the birth of their young.

Many boating companies that offer whale watching in Ecuador operate from
Manabi, which is a small village in Puerto Lopez. Operators are equipped for tourists and visitors and can guarantee a safe and pleasant trip out on the
waters. Most tours take visitors out to Isla de la Plata, or Silver Island, where not only whales but many other species of wildlife can be seen. If you
are brave enough, you can approach some of the local fisherman and ask them to take you out for a fee, but it is advised to rather enjoy your whale watching experience with certified tour boats. The information center in Puerto Lopez will be able to answer all your questions in regard to the whales. Here you will learn about the life cycle of these beautiful ocean giants and the conservation efforts that are being made to ensure their survival.

Hi I am comming to ecuador from the 12 feb until the 19th march. I would love to see whales where will i be able to do this. I know the galapagos islands will have some but this is very expensive. thanks